Why women are disappearing from Europe’s tech workforce

Why Women Are Disappearing from Europe’s Tech Workforce

Recent findings highlight a troubling trend in Europe’s tech industry, where women constitute less than 20% of the workforce. A new McKinsey & Company report warns that this disparity may grow worse, particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the sector. In 2025, only 19% of tech professionals in core roles across the EU were women, marking a 3% decrease from the previous year.

A Call for Action in the AI Era

The report emphasizes that without targeted efforts, existing gender gaps could expand as AI reshapes job responsibilities and value generation. This warning comes amid a shift in organizations across the US and Europe, which are reducing investments in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that previously encouraged women to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

“As AI reshapes roles and value creation in tech, existing gender gaps could widen without deliberate action,” the report stated.

Research Methodology

McKinsey’s analysis combined data from 4 million LinkedIn profiles in tech roles with information from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and workforce insights from AI recruitment platform Findem. The study revealed that women’s involvement in tech-related fields declines sharply post-education, despite performing slightly better than boys in STEM subjects during primary and secondary school.

Education and Career Trajectories

While girls show a marginal advantage in STEM learning early on, only 32% of female students choose tech-focused bachelor’s degrees. Among those who pursue advanced studies, women are more likely to earn STEM PhDs. However, this does not translate to equal representation in the workforce, where women account for just 19% of tech positions.

Leadership Challenges

Women’s presence in tech decreases by up to 18 percentage points before reaching managerial roles, leaving them with just 13% of leadership positions. The gap is most pronounced in software companies, where the difference between entry-level and executive roles is 15 points. These early exits compound the underrepresentation at higher levels, where women hold only 8% of executive positions.

Field-Specific Trends

Women are overrepresented in certain roles, such as product management (39%) and design (54%), but these areas rarely lead to top-tier leadership. The report notes that even in these concentrated roles, women often lack influence over the broader direction of the tech sector. Additionally, AI, data, and analytics fields see men dominating entry-level roles, raising concerns about limited diversity in decision-making as the industry expands.

Gender Equality Paradox

Despite being among the most gender-equal nations, countries like Finland and Sweden still face significant challenges. Women represent 36% and 23% of tech workers in these countries, respectively. The report highlights that workplace culture is a major factor in women leaving tech roles, with 49% reporting sexism or bias in the past year and 82% feeling they must outperform male peers to be recognized.

“Women often feel isolated in their roles, since they are often the ‘only one’ in the room,” the report added.

Workplace Dynamics and Policy Implications

Women in tech frequently shoulder additional unpaid tasks, such as resolving conflicts or organizing events, due to societal perceptions of them as the “social glue” of teams. On average, they dedicate 200 hours annually to such responsibilities. Policies supporting parents, like flexible or remote work options, can inadvertently slow career advancement for some women, according to the analysis.

Towards a Solution

Improving workplace culture is identified as the most effective strategy to bridge the gender gap. The report urges companies to establish clear representation goals and assess them regularly. By fostering inclusive environments and addressing systemic barriers, the tech sector can better retain women and ensure diverse perspectives drive innovation.